Womens 1s vs University of Exeter W1

Having started of the season last week with a great 1-1 draw against last years League toppers Surbiton the women were feeling confident going into week two. This week they took to the road and headed down to Exeter on Friday night in preparation for the 12pm push back. University of Exeter newly relegated from a season in the prem, Magpies knew it would be a tough match.

With the sun shining down on the pitch both teams warmed up with confidence and the 3 points were up for grabs. The first quarter got underway and both teams were applying pressure waiting for a team to make a move. Exeter creating a few early chances but not managing to produce any goals. The first quarter ended 0-0.

Both teams stepped back out for the second quarter pushing for a goal. However within a few minutes Magpies took a green card, with one less player and Magpies caught slightly on the back foot Exeter capitalised and ran into the D and scored to take it to 1-0. The quarter continued and shortly after Exeter were on the receiving end of a green card. Magpies were able to push into the Exeter D and were awarded a short corner for the efforts but unable to convert it. As the quarter drew nearer to a close Exeter found themselves with a corner and managed to hit the ball for a deflection taking a 2-0 lead going into half time.

In the third quarter Magpies knew that they needed to be the next team to score and looked more composed all over the pitch. They started to create more chances, however no goals came and the quarter stayed at 2-0.

Into the fourth quarter and Magpies still applied good pressure and were forcing Exeter to play back or round the sides. Unfortunately it was Exeter who managed to find the net next when a dribble down the base line and ball in managed to scramble into the goal. Undeterred Magpies continued working hard and after a lovely run, from player of the match Beth Gardens, Magpies were rewarded with a short corner. After the first strike was saved the ball fell to Beth on the post, Beth coolly flicked the ball at goal only stopped by the last defenders body. A flick was awarded and Jess Bloom stepped up and slotted it home to give Magpies a well deserved goal, 3-1. However the game was not over Exeter found themselves with another short corner near the end and a strike from the top hit the back board to make the final score 4-1.

Magpies came away from the pitch disappointed to come away with no points but pleased with their performance. Next week the Women travel to Southgate for a late 4pm push back.

Player of the match: Beth Gardens